1
|
de Oliveira MAC, Brunet Cabré M, Schröder C, Nolan H, Pota F, Behan JA, Barrière F, McKelvey K, Colavita PE. Single-Entity Electrochemistry of N-Doped Graphene Oxide Nanostructures for Improved Kinetics of Vanadyl Oxidation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2025; 21:e2405220. [PMID: 39548927 PMCID: PMC11753488 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202405220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 10/29/2024] [Indexed: 11/18/2024]
Abstract
N-doped graphene oxides (GO) are nanomaterials of interest as building blocks for 3D electrode architectures for vanadium redox flow battery applications. N- and O-functionalities have been reported to increase charge transfer rates for vanadium redox couples. However, GO synthesis typically yields heterogeneous nanomaterials, making it challenging to understand whether the electrochemical activity of conventional GO electrodes results from a sub-population of GO entities or sub-domains. Herein, single-entity voltammetry studies of vanadyl oxidation at N-doped GO using scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) are reported. The electrochemical response is mapped at sub-domains within isolated flakes and found to display significant heterogeneity: small active sites are interspersed between relatively large inert sub-domains. Correlative Raman-SECCM analysis suggests that defect densities are not useful predictors of activity, while the specific chemical nature of defects might be a more important factor for understanding oxidation rates. Finite element simulations of the electrochemical response suggest that active sub-domains/sites are smaller than the mean inter-defect distance estimated from Raman spectra but can display very fast heterogeneous rate constants >1 cm s-1. These results indicate that N-doped GO electrodes can deliver on intrinsic activity requirements set out for the viable performance of vanadium redox flow battery devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hugo Nolan
- School of ChemistryTrinity College DublinDublin2Ireland
| | - Filippo Pota
- School of ChemistryTrinity College DublinDublin2Ireland
| | - James A. Behan
- Univ RennesCNRSInstitut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes – UMR 6226RennesF‐35000France
| | - Frédéric Barrière
- Univ RennesCNRSInstitut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes – UMR 6226RennesF‐35000France
| | - Kim McKelvey
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and NanotechnologySchool of Chemical and Physical SciencesVictoria University of WellingtonWellington6012New Zealand
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liao H, Gao Y, Wang L, Cheng S, Liu D, Du H, Lin L. Chemical Doping and O-Functionalization of Carbon-Based Electrode to Improve Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024; 17:e202400705. [PMID: 38818626 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202400705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) holds promise for large-scale energy storage applications, despite its lower energy and power densities compared to advanced secondary batteries available today. Carbon materials are considered suitable catalyst electrodes for improving many aspects of the VRFB. However, pristine graphite structures in carbon materials are catalytically inert and require modification to activate their catalytic activity. Among the various strategies developed so far, O-functionalization and chemical doping of carbon materials are considered some of the most promising pathways to regulate their electronic structures. Building on the catalytic mechanisms involved in the VRFB, this concise review discusses recent advancements in the O-functionalization and chemical doping of carbon materials. Furthermore, it explores how these materials can be tailored and highlights future directions for developing more promising VRFBs to guide future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huanxi Liao
- Hubei Longzhong Laboratory, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, 441000, Hubei, China
- Strait Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE, Future Technologies), Fujian Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics, Fujian Normal University and Strait Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (SLoFE), Fuzhou, 350117, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Strait Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE, Future Technologies), Fujian Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics, Fujian Normal University and Strait Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (SLoFE), Fuzhou, 350117, China
| | - Lijing Wang
- Strait Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE, Future Technologies), Fujian Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics, Fujian Normal University and Strait Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (SLoFE), Fuzhou, 350117, China
| | - Shuyu Cheng
- Strait Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE, Future Technologies), Fujian Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics, Fujian Normal University and Strait Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (SLoFE), Fuzhou, 350117, China
| | - Dezheng Liu
- Hubei Longzhong Laboratory, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, 441000, Hubei, China
| | - Hongfang Du
- Strait Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE, Future Technologies), Fujian Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics, Fujian Normal University and Strait Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (SLoFE), Fuzhou, 350117, China
| | - Liangxu Lin
- Strait Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE, Future Technologies), Fujian Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics, Fujian Normal University and Strait Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (SLoFE), Fuzhou, 350117, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dai G, Huang Y, Chu F, Jin C, Liu H. Analysis of the effect of thermal treatment and catalyst introduction on electrode performance in vanadium redox flow battery. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33561. [PMID: 39035514 PMCID: PMC11259894 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
All-vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFB) have the advantages of high safety and long life, and have broad application prospects in the field of large-scale power energy storage. Low energy density is the main factor restricting its development. In this study, the carbon felt used as the electrode was pretreated in various ways to improve the performance of the vanadium redox flow battery. The pretreatment conditions of carbon felt were compared to the performance of carbon felt after treatment at different temperatures and different times. The properties of the pretreated carbon felt were investigated and their effect on cell performance was tested.Next, by introducing a noble metal catalyst into the carbon felt, the characteristics of the carbon felt were studied and the effect on the performance of the vanadium redox flow battery was investigated. It was found that Carbon felt thermal-treated at 500 °C for 2 h showed the best characteristics and had the longest charge/discharge time and the lowest resistance. The results also show that Carbon felt with catalyst introduced without PTFE(Polytetrafluoroethylene) binder showed larger BET(Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) surface area and electrical conductivity compared to PTFE mixed, and cell performance was also excellent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanxia Dai
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Hebei Vocational University of Technology and Engineering, Xingtai, 054000, China
- Xingtai Key Laboratory of New Energy Optoelectronic Devices and Energy Storage Technology, Xingtai, 054000, China
| | - Yanhong Huang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Hebei Vocational University of Technology and Engineering, Xingtai, 054000, China
| | - Feihong Chu
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Hebei Vocational University of Technology and Engineering, Xingtai, 054000, China
| | - Chencong Jin
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Hebei Vocational University of Technology and Engineering, Xingtai, 054000, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Xingtai Key Laboratory of New Energy Optoelectronic Devices and Energy Storage Technology, Xingtai, 054000, China
- Hebei Yosun New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Xingtai, 054000, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kogler M, Rauh N, Gahlawat S, Ashraf MA, Ostermann M, Valtiner M, Pichler CM. Unveiling the Role of Electrografted Carbon-Based Electrodes for Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024; 17:e202301659. [PMID: 38517381 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Carbon-based electrodes are used in flow batteries to provide active centers for vanadium redox reactions. However, strong controversy exists about the exact origin of these centers. This study systematically explores the influence of structural and functional groups on the vanadium redox reactions at carbon surfaces. Pyridine, phenol and butyl containing groups are attached to carbon felt electrodes. To establish a unique comparison between the model and real-world behavior, both non-activated and commercially used thermally activated felts serve as a substrate. Results reveal enhanced half-cell performance in non-activated felt with introduced hydrophilic functionalities. However, this cannot be transferred to the thermally activated felt. Beyond a decrease in electrochemical activity, a reduced long-term stability can be observed. This work indicates that thermal treatment generates active sites that surpass the effect of functional groups and are even impeded by their introduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Kogler
- Institute of Applied Physics, Vienna University of Technology, 1040, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Electrochemical Surface Technology GmbH, 2700, Wr. Neustadt, Austria
| | - Nikolai Rauh
- Institute of Applied Physics, Vienna University of Technology, 1040, Vienna, Austria
| | - Soniya Gahlawat
- Institute of Applied Physics, Vienna University of Technology, 1040, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Electrochemical Surface Technology GmbH, 2700, Wr. Neustadt, Austria
| | | | - Markus Ostermann
- Center for Electrochemical Surface Technology GmbH, 2700, Wr. Neustadt, Austria
| | - Markus Valtiner
- Institute of Applied Physics, Vienna University of Technology, 1040, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Electrochemical Surface Technology GmbH, 2700, Wr. Neustadt, Austria
| | - Christian M Pichler
- Institute of Applied Physics, Vienna University of Technology, 1040, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Electrochemical Surface Technology GmbH, 2700, Wr. Neustadt, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Devi N, Singh P, Chen YS. Binder-Free CNT-Modified Excellent Electrodes for All-Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 14:767. [PMID: 38727361 PMCID: PMC11085053 DOI: 10.3390/nano14090767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Electrodes are one of the key components that influence the performance of all-vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). A porous graphite felt with modified fiber surfaces that can provide a high specific activation surface is preferred as the electrode of a VRFB. In this study, a simple binder-free approach is developed for preparing stable carbon nanotube modified graphite felt electrodes (CNT-GFs). Heat-treated graphite felt electrodes (H-GFs) are dip-coated using CNT homogeneous solution. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results conclude that CNT-GFs have less resistance, better reaction currents, and reversibility as compared to H-GF. Cell performances showed that CNT-GFs significantly improve the performance of a VRFB, especially for the CNT-GF served in the positive side of the VRFB. CNT presence increases the electrochemical properties of the graphite electrode; as a result, reaction kinetics for both VO2+/VO2+ and V3+/V2+ are improved. Positive CNT-GF (P-CNT-GF) configured VRFB exhibits voltage efficiency, coulombic efficiency, and energy efficiency of 85%, 97%, and 82%, respectively, at the operating current density of 100 mA cm-2. At high current density of 200 mA cm-2, the VRFB with P-CNT-GF shows 73%, 98%, and 72% of the voltage, coulombic, and energy efficiencies, respectively. The energy efficiency of the CNT-GF is 6% higher when compared with that of B-H-GF. The VRFB with CNT-GF can provide stable performance for 300 cycles at 200 mA cm-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nitika Devi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Advanced Institute of Manufacturing with High-Tech Innovations, National Chung Cheng University, 168 University Rd., Minhsiung Township, Chiayi County 621301, Taiwan;
| | - Prabhakar Singh
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology, Varanasi 221005, India;
| | - Yong-Song Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Advanced Institute of Manufacturing with High-Tech Innovations, National Chung Cheng University, 168 University Rd., Minhsiung Township, Chiayi County 621301, Taiwan;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Köble K, Schilling M, Eifert L, Bevilacqua N, Fahy KF, Atanassov P, Bazylak A, Zeis R. Revealing the Multifaceted Impacts of Electrode Modifications for Vanadium Redox Flow Battery Electrodes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:46775-46789. [PMID: 37768857 PMCID: PMC10571042 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c07940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Carbon electrodes are one of the key components of vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs), and their wetting behavior, electrochemical performance, and tendency to side reactions are crucial for cell efficiency. Herein, we demonstrate three different types of electrode modifications: poly(o-toluidine) (POT), Vulcan XC 72R, and an iron-doped carbon-nitrogen base material (Fe-N-C + carbon nanotube (CNT)). By combining synchrotron X-ray imaging with traditional characterization approaches, we give thorough insights into changes caused by each modification in terms of the electrochemical performance in both half-cell reactions, wettability and permeability, and tendency toward the hydrogen evolution side reaction. The limiting performance of POT and Vulcan XC 72R could mainly be ascribed to hindered electrolyte transport through the electrode. Fe-N-C + CNT displayed promising potential in the positive half-cell with improved electrochemical performance and wetting behavior but catalyzed the hydrogen evolution side reaction in the negative half-cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Köble
- Helmholtz
Institute Ulm, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Helmholtzstraße 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Monja Schilling
- Helmholtz
Institute Ulm, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Helmholtzstraße 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - László Eifert
- Helmholtz
Institute Ulm, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Helmholtzstraße 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Nico Bevilacqua
- Helmholtz
Institute Ulm, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Helmholtzstraße 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Kieran F. Fahy
- Department
of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
& Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King’s College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Plamen Atanassov
- Department
of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Irvine, 221 Engineering Service Rd., Irvine, California 92617, United States
| | - Aimy Bazylak
- Department
of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
& Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King’s College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
| | - Roswitha Zeis
- Department
of Electrical, Electronics, and Communication Engineering, Faculty
of Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität
Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Cauerstraße 9, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Helmholtz
Institute Ulm, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Helmholtzstraße 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Department
of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science
& Engineering, University of Toronto, 5 King’s College Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Muñoz-Perales V, van der Heijden M, García-Salaberri PA, Vera M, Forner-Cuenca A. Engineering Lung-Inspired Flow Field Geometries for Electrochemical Flow Cells with Stereolithography 3D Printing. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2023; 11:12243-12255. [PMID: 37621694 PMCID: PMC10445267 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c00848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical flow reactors are increasingly relevant platforms in emerging sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies. As a prominent example, redox flow batteries, a well-suited technology for large energy storage if the costs can be significantly reduced, leverage electrochemical reactors as power converting units. Within the reactor, the flow field geometry determines the electrolyte pumping power required, mass transport rates, and overall cell performance. However, current designs are inspired by fuel cell technologies but have not been engineered for redox flow battery applications, where liquid-phase electrochemistry is sustained. Here, we leverage stereolithography 3D printing to manufacture lung-inspired flow field geometries and compare their performance to conventional flow field designs. A versatile two-step process based on stereolithography 3D printing followed by a coating procedure to form a conductive structure is developed to manufacture lung-inspired flow field geometries. We employ a suite of fluid dynamics, electrochemical diagnostics, and finite element simulations to correlate the flow field geometry with performance in symmetric flow cells. We find that the lung-inspired structural pattern homogenizes the reactant distribution throughout the porous electrode and improves the electrolyte accessibility to the electrode reaction area. In addition, the results reveal that these novel flow field geometries can outperform conventional interdigitated flow field designs, as these patterns exhibit a more favorable balance of electrical and pumping power, achieving superior current densities at lower pressure loss. Although at its nascent stage, additive manufacturing offers a versatile design space for manufacturing engineered flow field geometries for advanced flow reactors in emerging electrochemical energy storage technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Muñoz-Perales
- Department
of Thermal and Fluids Engineering, Universidad
Carlos III de Madrid, 28911 Leganés, Spain
| | - Maxime van der Heijden
- Electrochemical
Materials and Systems, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Pablo A. García-Salaberri
- Department
of Thermal and Fluids Engineering, Universidad
Carlos III de Madrid, 28911 Leganés, Spain
| | - Marcos Vera
- Department
of Thermal and Fluids Engineering, Universidad
Carlos III de Madrid, 28911 Leganés, Spain
| | - Antoni Forner-Cuenca
- Electrochemical
Materials and Systems, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Murillo-Herrera LM, Aguilar ES, Thielke MW, Jorge Sobrido A. Surface Modification of PAN-Derived Commercial Graphite Felts Using Deep Eutectic Solvents for their Application as Electrodes in All-Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries. Chem Asian J 2023; 18:e202201208. [PMID: 36644964 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202201208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
All-vanadium redox flow batteries are promising large-scale energy storage solutions to support intermittent power generation. Commercial graphite felts are among the most used materials as electrodes for these batteries due to their cheap price, high conductivity, and large surface area. However, these materials exhibit poor wettability and electrochemical activity towards vanadium redox reactions, which translates into overpotentials and lower efficiencies. Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are mixtures of Lewis acids and bases that exhibit lower melting points than their original components. Here, a DES composed of choline chloride and urea, and a DES composed of FeCl3 and NH4 Cl have been employed to modify the surface of graphite felts alongside a series of re-carbonization steps. The resulting materials were compared against pristine, thermally activated, and oxidatively activated graphite felts. Our results indicated that the treatments introduced new oxygen and nitrogen functionalities to the carbonaceous surface and increased the surface area, the degree of disorder and defects in the graphitic layers of the fibres. Cyclic voltammetry studies demonstrated higher electrochemical activity towards vanadium redox reactions and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy experiments showed the modified materials exhibited significantly lower charge transfer resistances. When tested in full cell configuration the electrode modified with the urea-based DES exhibited comparable coulombic efficiencies and superior energy storage capacity retention than the thermally oxidized felt used as benchmark, suggesting that the introduction of oxygen- and nitrogen-rich functional groups had a positive effect on the overall electrochemical performance of graphite felts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Mauricio Murillo-Herrera
- Department School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Rd, Bethnal Green, London, E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Eneith S Aguilar
- Department School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Rd, Bethnal Green, London, E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Michael W Thielke
- Department School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Rd, Bethnal Green, London, E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Jorge Sobrido
- Department School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Rd, Bethnal Green, London, E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wan CTC, Ismail A, Quinn AH, Chiang YM, Brushett FR. Synthesis and Characterization of Dense Carbon Films as Model Surfaces to Estimate Electron Transfer Kinetics on Redox Flow Battery Electrodes. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:1198-1214. [PMID: 36607828 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c03003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are a promising electrochemical technology for the efficient and reliable delivery of electricity, providing opportunities to integrate intermittent renewable resources and to support unreliable and/or aging grid infrastructure. Within the RFB, porous carbonaceous electrodes facilitate the electrochemical reactions, distribute the flowing electrolyte, and conduct electrons. Understanding electrode reaction kinetics is crucial for improving RFB performance and lowering costs. However, assessing reaction kinetics on porous electrodes is challenging as their complex structure frustrates canonical electroanalytical techniques used to quantify performance descriptors. Here, we outline a strategy to estimate electron transfer kinetics on planar electrode materials of similar surface chemistry to those used in RFBs. First, we describe a bottom-up synthetic process to produce flat, dense carbon films to enable the evaluation of electron transfer kinetics using traditional electrochemical approaches. Next, we characterize the physicochemical properties of the films using a suite of spectroscopic methods, confirming that their surface characteristics align with those of widely used porous electrodes. Last, we study the electrochemical performance of the films in a custom-designed cell architecture, extracting intrinsic heterogeneous kinetic rate constants for two iron-based redox couples in aqueous electrolytes using standard electrochemical methods (i.e., cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance, and spectroscopy). We anticipate that the synthetic methods and experimental protocols described here are applicable to a range of electrocatalysts and redox couples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Tai-Chieh Wan
- Joint Center for Energy Storage Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts02139, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts02139, United States
| | - Akram Ismail
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York14627, United States
| | - Alexander H Quinn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts02139, United States
| | - Yet-Ming Chiang
- Joint Center for Energy Storage Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts02139, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts02139, United States
| | - Fikile R Brushett
- Joint Center for Energy Storage Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts02139, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts02139, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abdul Ahad S, Bhattacharya S, Kilian S, Ottaviani M, Ryan KM, Kennedy T, Thompson D, Geaney H. Lithiophilic Nanowire Guided Li Deposition in Li Metal Batteries. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2205142. [PMID: 36398602 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs) provide superior energy densities far beyond current Li-ion batteries (LIBs) but practical applications are hindered by uncontrolled dendrite formation and the build-up of dead Li in "hostless" Li metal anodes. To circumvent these issues, we created a 3D framework of a carbon paper (CP) substrate decorated with lithiophilic nanowires (silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), and SiGe alloy NWs) that provides a robust host for efficient stripping/plating of Li metal. The lithiophilic Li22 Si5 , Li22 (Si0.5 Ge0.5 )5, and Li22 Ge5 formed during rapid Li melt infiltration prevented the formation of dead Li and dendrites. Li22 Ge5 /Li covered CP hosts delivered the best performance, with the lowest overpotentials of 40 mV (three times lower than pristine Li) when cycled at 1 mA cm-2 /1 mAh cm-2 for 1000 h and at 3 mA cm-2 /3 mAh cm-2 for 500 h. Ex situ analysis confirmed the ability of the lithiophilic Li22 Ge5 decorated samples to facilitate uniform Li deposition. When paired with sulfur, LiFePO4, and NMC811 cathodes, the CP-LiGe/Li anodes delivered 200 cycles with 82%, 93%, and 90% capacity retention, respectively. The discovery of the highly stable, lithiophilic NW decorated CP hosts is a promising route toward stable cycling LMBs and provides a new design motif for hosted Li metal anodes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Syed Abdul Ahad
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Shayon Bhattacharya
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Physics, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Seamus Kilian
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Michela Ottaviani
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Kevin M Ryan
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Tadhg Kennedy
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Damien Thompson
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Physics, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Hugh Geaney
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Boz EB, Boillat P, Forner-Cuenca A. Taurine Electrografting onto Porous Electrodes Improves Redox Flow Battery Performance. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:41883-41895. [PMID: 36069702 PMCID: PMC9501779 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c08211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The surface properties of porous carbonaceous electrodes govern the performance, durability, and ultimately the cost of redox flow batteries (RFBs). State-of-the-art carbon fiber-based electrode interfaces suffer from limited kinetic activity and incomplete wettability, fundamentally limiting the performance. Surface treatments for electrodes such as thermal and acid activation are a common practice to make them more suitable for aqueous RFBs; however, these treatments offer limited control over the desired functional properties. Here, we propose, for the first time, electrografting as a facile, rapid, and versatile technique to enable task-specific functionalization of porous carbonaceous electrodes for use in RFBs. Electrografting allows covalent attachment of organic molecules on conductive substrates upon application of an electrochemical driving force, and the vast library of available organic molecules can unlock a broad range of desired functional properties. To showcase the potential of electrografting for RFBs, we elect to investigate taurine, an amine with a highly hydrophilic sulfonic acid tail. Oxidative electrografting with cyclic voltammetry allows covalent attachment of taurine through the amine group to the fiber surface, resulting in taurine-functionalized carbon cloth electrodes. In situ polarization and impedance spectroscopy in single-electrolyte flow cells reveal that taurine-treated cloth electrodes result in 40% lower charge transfer and 25% lower mass transfer resistances than off-the-shelf cloth electrodes. We find that taurine-treated electrode interfaces promote faster Fe3+ reduction reaction kinetics as the electrochemical surface area normalized current densities are 2-fold and 4-fold higher than oxidized and untreated glassy carbon surfaces, respectively. Improved mass transfer of taurine-treated electrodes is attributed to their superior wettability, as revealed by operando neutron radiography within a flow cell setup. Through demonstrating promising results for aqueous systems with the model molecule taurine, this work aims to bring forth electrografting as a facile technique to tailor electrode surfaces for other RFB chemistries and electrochemical technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emre B. Boz
- Electrochemical
Materials and Systems, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Eindhoven
Institute for Renewable Energy Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology,
P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Pierre Boillat
- Electrochemistry
Laboratory, Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, CH-5232 Villigen, Switzerland
- Laboratory
for Neutron Scattering and Imaging, Paul
Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse
111, CH-5232, Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Antoni Forner-Cuenca
- Electrochemical
Materials and Systems, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Eindhoven
Institute for Renewable Energy Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology,
P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhao Y, Li Y, Ihsan-Ul-Haq M, Mubarak N, Xu M, Qin X, Zhao TS, Kim JK. Highly porous carbon nanofiber electrodes for vanadium redox flow batteries. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:5804-5813. [PMID: 35352708 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr08376g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The electrochemical performance of carbon nanofiber (CNF) electrodes in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) is enhanced by optimizing the morphological and physical properties of low-cost electrospun CNFs. The surface area, porosity and electrical conductivity of CNFs are tailored by modifying the precursor composition, especially the sacrificing agent, Fe(acac)3, in the polymer precursor and carbonization temperature. A highly porous structure with a large surface area is generated by the catalytic growth of graphitic carbon spheres surrounding the iron nanoparticles which are removed by an acid etching process. The graphitic carbon layers formed at a high carbonization temperature improve the electrical conductivity of CNFs. The large surface area of 349 m2 g-1 together with the abundant mesopore-dominant structure leads to high wettability and high activity for redox reactions of the electrode, giving rise to enhanced electrochemical performance in VRFBs. It delivers an energy efficiency (EE) of 91.4% at a current density of 20 mA cm-2 and 79.3% at 100 mA cm-2, and maintains an average EE of 72.5% after 500 charge/discharge cycles at 100 mA cm-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunhe Zhao
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
| | - Muhammad Ihsan-Ul-Haq
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
| | - Nauman Mubarak
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
| | - Mengyang Xu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Xianying Qin
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Tian-Shou Zhao
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
| | - Jang-Kyo Kim
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Parra-Puerto A, Rubio-Garcia J, Markiewicz M, Zheng Z, Kucernak A. Carbon Aerogel Based Thin Electrodes for Zero‐Gap all Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries – Quantifying the Factors Leading to Optimum Performance. ChemElectroChem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.202101617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andres Parra-Puerto
- Imperial College London Faculty of Natural Sciences chemistry UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Javier Rubio-Garcia
- Imperial College London Faculty of Natural Sciences Chemistry UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Matthew Markiewicz
- Imperial College London Faculty of Natural Science Chemistry UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Zhuo Zheng
- Imperial College London Faculty of Natural Sciences Chemistry UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Anthony Kucernak
- Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine: Imperial College London Chemistry Imperial College RdWhite City Campus82 Wood Lane W12 0BZ London UNITED KINGDOM
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Popat Y, Trudgeon D, Zhang C, Walsh FC, Connor P, Li X. Carbon Materials as Positive Electrodes in Bromine-Based Flow Batteries. Chempluschem 2022; 87:e202100441. [PMID: 35023636 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202100441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Bromine based redox flow batteries (RFBs) can provide sustainable energy storage due to the abundance of bromine. Such devices pair Br2 /Br- at the positive electrode with complementary redox couples at the negative electrode. Due to the highly corrosive nature of bromine, electrode materials need to be corrosion resistant and durable. The positive electrode requires good electrochemical activity and reversibility for the Br2 /Br- couple. Carbon materials enjoy the advantages of low cost, excellent electrical conductivity, chemical resistance, wide operational potential ranges, modifiable surface properties, and high surface area. Here carbon based materials for bromine electrodes are reviewed, with a focus on application in zinc-bromine, hydrogen-bromine, and polysulphide-bromine RFB systems, aiming to provide an overview of carbon materials to be used for design and development of bromine electrodes with improved performance. Aspects deserving further R&D are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaksh Popat
- Renewable Energy group, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn campus, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - David Trudgeon
- Renewable Energy group, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn campus, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Caiping Zhang
- National Active Distribution Network Technology Research Centre, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, 100044, P. R. China
| | - Frank C Walsh
- Electrochemical Engineering Laboratory, Energy Technology Research Group, Engineering Sciences and the Environment, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Connor
- Renewable Energy group, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn campus, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Renewable Energy group, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn campus, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hassan A, Haile AS, Tzedakis T, Hansen HA, de Silva P. The Role of Oxygenic Groups and sp 3 Carbon Hybridization in Activated Graphite Electrodes for Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries. CHEMSUSCHEM 2021; 14:3945-3952. [PMID: 34323377 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202100966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Graphite felt is a widely used electrode material for vanadium redox flow batteries. Electrode activation leads to the functionalization of the graphite surface with epoxy, OH, C=O, and COOH oxygenic groups and changes the carbon surface morphology and electronic structure, thereby improving the electrode's electroactivity relative to the untreated graphite. In this study, density functional theory (DFT) calculations are conducted to evaluate functionalization's contribution towards the positive half-cell reaction of the vanadium redox flow battery. The DFT calculations show that oxygenic groups improve the graphite felt's affinity towards the VO2+ /VO2 + redox couple in the following order: C=O>COOH>OH> basal plane. Projected density-of-states (PDOS) calculations show that these groups increase the electrode's sp3 hybridization in the same order, indicating that the increase in sp3 hybridization is responsible for the improved electroactivity, whereas the oxygenic groups' presence is responsible for this sp3 increment. These insights can aid the selection of activation processes and optimization of their parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Hassan
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, UMR CNRS 5503, Université de Toulouse, UT-III-Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
- Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
- Chemical Engineering Department, MNS University of Engineering and Technology, QasimPur Colony, BCG Chowk, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Asnake Sahele Haile
- Center for Environmental Science, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box, 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Theodore Tzedakis
- Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, UMR CNRS 5503, Université de Toulouse, UT-III-Paul Sabatier, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Heine Anton Hansen
- Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Piotr de Silva
- Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs., Lyngby, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yan Y, Robinson SG, Vaid TP, Sigman MS, Sanford MS. Simultaneously Enhancing the Redox Potential and Stability of Multi-Redox Organic Catholytes by Incorporating Cyclopropenium Substituents. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:13450-13459. [PMID: 34387084 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c07237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
High redox potential, two-electron organic catholytes for nonaqueous redox flow batteries were developed by appending diaminocyclopropenium (DAC) substituents to phenazine and phenothiazine cores. The parent heterocycles exhibit two partially reversible oxidations at moderate potentials [both at lower than 0.7 V vs ferrocene/ferrocenium (Fc/Fc+)]. The incorporation of DAC substituents has a dual effect on these systems. The DAC groups increase the redox potential of both couples by ∼300 mV while simultaneously rendering the second oxidation (which occurs at 1.20 V vs Fc/Fc+ in the phenothiazine derivative) reversible. The electron-withdrawing nature of the DAC unit is responsible for the increase in redox potential, while the DAC substituents stabilize oxidized forms of the molecules through resonance delocalization of charge and unpaired spin density. These new catholytes were deployed in two-electron redox flow batteries that exhibit voltages of up to 2.0 V and no detectable crossover over 250 cycles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yichao Yan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR), 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Sophia G Robinson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States.,Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR), 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Thomas P Vaid
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR), 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Matthew S Sigman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States.,Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR), 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Melanie S Sanford
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR), 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Raja M, Khan H, Sankarasubramanian S, Sonawat D, Ramani V, Ramanujam K. Binder-free thin graphite fiber mat sandwich electrode architectures for energy-efficient vanadium redox flow batteries. Catal Today 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2021.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
18
|
Wan CT, Jacquemond RR, Chiang Y, Nijmeijer K, Brushett FR, Forner‐Cuenca A. Non-Solvent Induced Phase Separation Enables Designer Redox Flow Battery Electrodes. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2006716. [PMID: 33650154 PMCID: PMC9290313 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202006716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Porous carbonaceous electrodes are performance-defining components in redox flow batteries (RFBs), where their properties impact the efficiency, cost, and durability of the system. The overarching challenge is to simultaneously fulfill multiple seemingly contradictory requirements-i.e., high surface area, low pressure drop, and facile mass transport-without sacrificing scalability or manufacturability. Here, non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) is proposed as a versatile method to synthesize tunable porous structures suitable for use as RFB electrodes. The variation of the relative concentration of scaffold-forming polyacrylonitrile to pore-forming poly(vinylpyrrolidone) is demonstrated to result in electrodes with distinct microstructure and porosity. Tomographic microscopy, porosimetry, and spectroscopy are used to characterize the 3D structure and surface chemistry. Flow cell studies with two common redox species (i.e., all-vanadium and Fe2+/3+ ) reveal that the novel electrodes can outperform traditional carbon fiber electrodes. It is posited that the bimodal porous structure, with interconnected large (>50 µm) macrovoids in the through-plane direction and smaller (<5 µm) pores throughout, provides a favorable balance between offsetting traits. Although nascent, the NIPS synthesis approach has the potential to serve as a technology platform for the development of porous electrodes specifically designed to enable electrochemical flow technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Tai‐Chieh Wan
- Joint Center for Energy Storage ResearchMassachusetts Institute of Technology77 Massachusetts AvenueCambridgeMA02139USA
- Department of Chemical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of Technology77 Massachusetts AvenueCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Rémy Richard Jacquemond
- Membrane Materials and ProcessesDepartment of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 513Eindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER)P.O. Box 6336Eindhoven5600 HHThe Netherlands
| | - Yet‐Ming Chiang
- Joint Center for Energy Storage ResearchMassachusetts Institute of Technology77 Massachusetts AvenueCambridgeMA02139USA
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of Technology77 Massachusetts AvenueCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Kitty Nijmeijer
- Membrane Materials and ProcessesDepartment of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 513Eindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER)P.O. Box 6336Eindhoven5600 HHThe Netherlands
| | - Fikile R. Brushett
- Joint Center for Energy Storage ResearchMassachusetts Institute of Technology77 Massachusetts AvenueCambridgeMA02139USA
- Department of Chemical EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of Technology77 Massachusetts AvenueCambridgeMA02139USA
| | - Antoni Forner‐Cuenca
- Membrane Materials and ProcessesDepartment of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 513Eindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gautam M, Bhat ZM, Raafik A, Le Vot S, Devendrachari MC, Kottaichamy AR, Dargily NC, Thimmappa R, Fontaine O, Thotiyl MO. Coulombic Force Gated Molecular Transport in Redox Flow Batteries. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:1374-1383. [PMID: 33507088 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c03584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The interfacial electrochemistry of reversible redox molecules is central to state-of-the-art flow batteries, outer-sphere redox species-based fuel cells, and electrochemical biosensors. At electrochemical interfaces, because mass transport and interfacial electron transport are consecutive processes, the reaction velocity in reversible species is predominantly mass-transport-controlled because of their fast electron-transfer events. Spatial structuring of the solution near the electrode surface forces diffusion to dominate the transport phenomena even under convective fluid-flow, which in turn poses unique challenges to utilizing the maximum potential of reversible species by either electrode or fluid characteristics. We show Coulombic force gated molecular flux at the interface to target the transport velocity of reversible species; that in turn triggers a directional electrostatic current over the diffusion current within the reaction zone. In an iron-based redox flow battery, this gated molecular transport almost doubles the volumetric energy density without compromising the power capability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manu Gautam
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Energy Science, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | - Zahid M Bhat
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Energy Science, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | - Abdul Raafik
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Energy Science, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | - Steven Le Vot
- Institut Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, UMR 5253, CC 1502, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Mruthunjayachari C Devendrachari
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Energy Science, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | - Alagar Raja Kottaichamy
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Energy Science, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | - Neethu Christudas Dargily
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Energy Science, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | - Ravikumar Thimmappa
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Energy Science, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | - Olivier Fontaine
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), Rayong 21210, Thailand
| | - Musthafa Ottakam Thotiyl
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Energy Science, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Chakrabarti BK, Feng J, Kalamaras E, Rubio-Garcia J, George C, Luo H, Xia Y, Yufit V, Titirici MM, Low CTJ, Kucernak A, Brandon NP. Hybrid Redox Flow Cells with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance via Binderless and Electrophoretically Deposited Nitrogen-Doped Graphene on Carbon Paper Electrodes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:53869-53878. [PMID: 33205967 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c17616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Hybrid redox flow cells (HRFC) are key enablers for the development of reliable large-scale energy storage systems; however, their high cost, limited cycle performance, and incompatibilities associated with the commonly used carbon-based electrodes undermine HRFC's commercial viability. While this is often linked to lack of suitable electrocatalytic materials capable of coping with HRFC electrode processes, the combinatory use of nanocarbon additives and carbon paper electrodes holds new promise. Here, by coupling electrophoretically deposited nitrogen-doped graphene (N-G) with carbon electrodes, their surprisingly beneficial effects on three types of HRFCs, namely, hydrogen/vanadium (RHVFC), hydrogen/manganese (RHMnFC), and polysulfide/air (S-Air), are revealed. RHVFCs offer efficiencies over 70% at a current density of 150 mA cm-2 and an energy density of 45 Wh L-1 at 50 mA cm-2, while RHMnFCs achieve a 30% increase in energy efficiency (at 100 mA cm-2). The S-Air cell records an exchange current density of 4.4 × 10-2 mA cm-2, a 3-fold improvement of kinetics compared to the bare carbon paper electrode. We also present cost of storage at system level compared to the standard all-vanadium redox flow batteries. These figures-of-merit can incentivize the design, optimization, and adoption of high-performance HRFCs for successful grid-scale or renewable energy storage market penetration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barun Kumar Chakrabarti
- WMG, Warwick Electrochemical Engineering Group, Energy Innovation Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- RFC Power Ltd., 52 Princes Gate, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2PG, United Kingdom
| | - Jingyu Feng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Evangelos Kalamaras
- WMG, Warwick Electrochemical Engineering Group, Energy Innovation Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - J Rubio-Garcia
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Chandramohan George
- Dyson School of Design Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Yuhua Xia
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Vladimir Yufit
- Addionics Ltd., Imperial White City Incubator, 80 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Chee Tong John Low
- WMG, Warwick Electrochemical Engineering Group, Energy Innovation Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Kucernak
- RFC Power Ltd., 52 Princes Gate, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2PG, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel P Brandon
- RFC Power Ltd., 52 Princes Gate, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2PG, United Kingdom
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Modeling the Effect of Channel Tapering on the Pressure Drop and Flow Distribution Characteristics of Interdigitated Flow Fields in Redox Flow Batteries. Processes (Basel) 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/pr8070775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimization of flow fields in redox flow batteries can increase performance and efficiency, while reducing cost. Therefore, there is a need to establish a fundamental understanding on the connection between flow fields, electrolyte flow management and electrode properties. In this work, the flow distribution and pressure drop characteristics of interdigitated flow fields with constant and tapered cross-sections are examined numerically and experimentally. Two simplified 2D along-the-channel models are used: (1) a CFD model, which includes the channels and the porous electrode, with Darcy’s viscous resistance as a momentum sink term in the latter; and (2) a semi-analytical model, which uses Darcy’s law to describe the 2D flow in the electrode and lubrication theory to describe the 1D Poiseuille flow in the channels, with the 2D and 1D sub-models coupled at the channel/electrode interfaces. The predictions of the models are compared between them and with experimental data. The results show that the most influential parameter is γ , defined as the ratio between the pressure drop along the channel due to viscous stresses and the pressure drop across the electrode due to Darcy’s viscous resistance. The effect of R e in the channel depends on the order of magnitude of γ , being negligible in conventional cells with slender channels that use electrodes with permeabilities in the order of 10 − 12 m 2 and that are operated with moderate flow rates. Under these conditions, tapered channels can enhance mass transport and facilitate the removal of bubbles (from secondary reactions) because of the higher velocities achieved in the channel, while being pumping losses similar to those of constant cross-section flow fields. This agrees with experimental data measured in a single cell operated with aqueous vanadium-based electrolytes.
Collapse
|
22
|
Eifert L, Bevilacqua N, Köble K, Fahy K, Xiao L, Li M, Duan K, Bazylak A, Sui P, Zeis R. Synchrotron X-ray Radiography and Tomography of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries-Cell Design, Electrolyte Flow Geometry, and Gas Bubble Formation. CHEMSUSCHEM 2020; 13:3154-3165. [PMID: 32286001 PMCID: PMC7317554 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202000541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The wetting behavior and affinity to side reactions of carbon-based electrodes in vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are highly dependent on the physical and chemical surface structures of the material, as well as on the cell design itself. To investigate these properties, a new cell design was proposed to facilitate synchrotron X-ray imaging. Three different flow geometries were studied to understand the impact on the flow dynamics, and the formation of hydrogen bubbles. By electrolyte injection experiments, it was shown that the maximum saturation of carbon felt was achieved by a flat flow field after the first injection and by a serpentine flow field after continuous flow. Furthermore, the average saturation of the carbon felt was correlated to the cyclic voltammetry current response, and the hydrogen gas evolution was visualized in 3D by X-ray tomography. The capabilities of this cell design and experiments were outlined, which are essential for the evaluation and optimization of cell components of VRFBs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- László Eifert
- Karlsruhe Institute of TechnologyHelmholtz Institute UlmHelmholtzstraße 1189081UlmGermany
| | - Nico Bevilacqua
- Karlsruhe Institute of TechnologyHelmholtz Institute UlmHelmholtzstraße 1189081UlmGermany
| | - Kerstin Köble
- Karlsruhe Institute of TechnologyHelmholtz Institute UlmHelmholtzstraße 1189081UlmGermany
| | - Kieran Fahy
- Thermofluids for Energy and Advanced Materials (TEAM) LaboratoryDepartment of Mechanical & Industrial EngineeringUniversity of TorontoInstitute for Sustainable EnergyFaculty of Applied Science & EngineeringUniversity of Toronto5 King's College RoadTorontoOntarioM5S 3G8Canada
| | - Liusheng Xiao
- School of Automotive EngineeringWuhan University of TechnologyWuhan430070P.R. China
| | - Min Li
- School of Automotive EngineeringWuhan University of TechnologyWuhan430070P.R. China
| | - Kangjun Duan
- School of Automotive EngineeringWuhan University of TechnologyWuhan430070P.R. China
| | - Aimy Bazylak
- Thermofluids for Energy and Advanced Materials (TEAM) LaboratoryDepartment of Mechanical & Industrial EngineeringUniversity of TorontoInstitute for Sustainable EnergyFaculty of Applied Science & EngineeringUniversity of Toronto5 King's College RoadTorontoOntarioM5S 3G8Canada
| | - Pang‐Chieh Sui
- School of Automotive EngineeringWuhan University of TechnologyWuhan430070P.R. China
| | - Roswitha Zeis
- Karlsruhe Institute of TechnologyHelmholtz Institute UlmHelmholtzstraße 1189081UlmGermany
- Karlsruhe Institute of TechnologyInstitute of Physical ChemistryFritz-Haber-Weg 276131KarlsruheGermany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Daugherty MC, Gu S, Aaron DS, Kelly RE, Ashraf Gandomi Y, Hsieh CT. Graphene quantum dot-decorated carbon electrodes for energy storage in vanadium redox flow batteries. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:7834-7842. [PMID: 32222752 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr00188k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) quantum dots are synthesized via a solid-phase microwave-assisted (SPMA) technique. The resulting GQDs are deposited on graphite felt (GF) and are employed as high-performance electrodes for all-vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). The SPMA method is capable of synthesizing highly oxidized and amidized GQDs using citric acid and urea as the precursor. The as-prepared GQDs contain an ultrahigh O/C (56-61%) and N/C (34-66%) atomic ratio, much higher than the values reported for other carbon-based nano-materials (e.g. oxidized activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, and graphene oxide). Three types of quantum dots, having an average particle size of 2.8-4.2 nm, are homogeneously dispersed onto GF electrodes, forming GQD/GF composite electrodes. Through deposition of GQDs onto the electrode structure, the catalytic activity, equivalent series resistance, durability, and voltage efficiency are improved. The capacity utilization using GQD/GF electrode is substantially enhanced (∼69% increase within 40 cycles). The improved performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of GQDs containing oxygen functionalities (epoxy, phenolic and carboxylic groups) and lattice N atoms (quaternary, pyrrolic and pyridinic N) which result in enhanced wettability and increased electrochemical surface area providing increased reaction sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Daugherty
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Casimero C, Hegarty C, McGlynn RJ, Davis J. Ultrasonic exfoliation of carbon fiber: electroanalytical perspectives. J APPL ELECTROCHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10800-019-01379-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Electrochemical anodisation techniques are regularly used to modify carbon fiber surfaces as a means of improving electrochemical performance. A detailed study of the effects of oxidation (+ 2 V) in alkaline media has been conducted and Raman, XPS and SEM analyses of the modification process have been tallied with the resulting electrochemical properties. The co-application of ultrasound during the oxidative process has also been investigated to determine if the cavitational and mass transport features influence both the physical and chemical nature of the resulting fibers. Marked discrepancies between anodisation with and without ultrasound is evident in the C1s spectra with variations in the relative proportions of the electrogenerated carbon-oxygen functionalities. Mechanisms that could account for the variation in surface species are considered.
Graphic abstract
Collapse
|
25
|
El Diwany FA, Ali BA, El Sawy EN, Allam NK. Fullerene C76 as a novel electrocatalyst for VO2+/VO2+ and chlorine evolution inhibitor in all-vanadium redox flow batteries. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:7569-7572. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cc03544k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We report, for the first time, the superior electrocatalytic activity of fullerene C76 towards VO2+/VO2+ in all-vanadium redox flow batteries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farah A. El Diwany
- Energy Materials Laboratory
- School of Sciences and Engineering
- The American University in Cairo
- New Cairo 11835
- Egypt
| | - Basant A. Ali
- Energy Materials Laboratory
- School of Sciences and Engineering
- The American University in Cairo
- New Cairo 11835
- Egypt
| | - Ehab N. El Sawy
- Department of Chemistry
- School of Sciences and Engineering
- The American University in Cairo
- New Cairo 11835
- Egypt
| | - Nageh K. Allam
- Energy Materials Laboratory
- School of Sciences and Engineering
- The American University in Cairo
- New Cairo 11835
- Egypt
| |
Collapse
|